Your Opinion: Support troops with actions, not just words

I am a retired vet who has served in Central America in 1983, the first Gulf War and Somalia. In addition, I am a PTSD suicide attempt survivor. Sixteen years ago, I put a 357 to my head and blew the top of my head off.

Because of the miracles of today’s modern medicine, I survived with hardly any affects whatsoever. As a patient of the VA medical system, the latest revelations about soldiers dying before being seen at the VA does not surprise me, or any service member.

Having said all that, I have heard an endless barrage of “We support the troops.” I just have to say, this is your chance to show it. It means nothing when someone in the White House says the president is “mad as hell” about this. Today, another soldier will die from suicide. He could be saved. This is everyone’s chance to show that you support the troops. The troops are watching now. What will you do to show that you support the troops?

Please don’t misunderstand while reading this letter. I am not mad or upset with the American people. I love the American people. I was willing to give my life for you. I just see this as an opportunity for the American people to show the troops how they feel and what they can do when called upon.

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